The Atlanta Hawks have been disappointed in the lack of success they’ve experienced during the 2021-22 NBA season despite coming off an Eastern Conference Finals appearance. They are one of the top teams to watch in regards to a potential major move.
It has been widely discussed already that Ben Simmons is regarded as a key trade target for the Hawks. However, Tobias Harris’ contract and the positional overlap with John Collins would make a simple swap without expanding the deal to an unrealistic multi-team framework just wouldn’t be feasible. Now, it seems as though Collins could be moved in a separate deal.
According to Bleacher Report’s Jake Fischer, the asking price for John Collins in trade talks is a ‘valuable first-round pick’ and a ‘starting-caliber player.’ However, some feel as though they could aim for higher.
One team contacted by Atlanta regarding Collins told Bleacher Report the Hawks were only seeking a valuable first-round pick and a starting-caliber player in exchange for the talented young forward.
Other teams believe the Hawks could draw an even higher return. Jerami Grant has been frequently mentioned as a primary trade target for the Hawks this deadline, and Atlanta placed a call to San Antonio about Derrick White, sources said. The Spurs and Mavericks have been considered suitors dating back to the 2020 offseason.
The Hawks previously moved on from Cam Reddish in a trade with the New York Knicks. The return received criticism in the initial reaction to the trade since Atlanta mostly got back a lottery protected first-round pick (via Charlotte Hornets) and Kevin Knox II. The outcome, however, is still a ‘liquid asset’ with that pick.
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If the Hawks were to move John Collins for a starting-caliber player while netting a first-round pick with strong value, it’s difficult not to think about how that could help their Ben Simmons pursuit. Could they have enough value to send to the Philadelphia 76ers to entice them to part with Simmons while keeping Tobias Harris? There would no longer be overlap with their offer by getting value for Collins.
It’s worth questioning which team would be interested in parting with a valuable first-round pick in order to land John Collins given he lacks the outlook to be a top option or secondary option on a title team.
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For a team that is in the midst of a rebuild, would giving up the vessel to add a player with a potentially high ceiling signed to a rookie contract be worthwhile given those circumstances? That’s up to potential suitors to figure out themselves, but it doesn’t appear to be the case.
